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Helpful Toll-Free Numbers • Texas Poison Control 1-800-222-1222 • Texas Department of Family & Protective Services (DFPS) Abuse Hotline: 1-800-252-5400
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• Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Vision & Hearing Screening 1-800-252-8023 Ext. 6687 • Office of Attorney General Child Support: 1-800-252-8014 • Centers for Disease Control & Protection (1-800-CDC-INFO) 1-800-232-4636 • Texas Youth Hotline 1-800-210-2278 • Runaway Hotline 1-800-580-4357
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Inside BeSafe Child See Page 23 Free $25 Restaurant Gift Certificate Steps Toward Stopping Domestic Violence.........................................4 Child Care Assistance...................................7 Obesity A Growing Problem........................9 Head Lice.....................................................10 Vaccines What You Should Know..............11 Kids Center 911 Phone Calls.............................................12 Alcohol & Energy Drinks.........................13 Allowances in Today’s Economy................14 Living With Asthma..................................15 Explaining Stranger Dangers....................16 Protecting Children From Poisoning........17 Kids and Canines........................................18 Guide To Child Care Centers.............19-21 CHIP & Medicaid........................................22 Simply S.A.F.E............................................23
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903-586-3767 1-800-233-8568 Fax 903-586-0333 www.besafechild.com email: info@besafechild.com Publisher/Editor: Royce Ewing Graphic Design/Layout: Claudette Wooddell Office: Patricia Goar ©Copyright 2010 BeSafe Publications We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information within these pages. We cannot, however, assume any liability for any kind of its validity or completeness or for additional or changed information subsequent to the date the information contained herein was submitted for publication. BeSafe Publications welcomes your suggestions and inquiries. Articles from professionals in child safety are also encouraged. While we retain our copyright position, we do grant permission to responsible parties to duplicate our articles in the interest of child safety, health and good character.
Longview Area Spring 2010
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Steps Toward Stopping Domestic Violence illions of Americans avoid injury and even prephysical and mental health costs of domestic violence M mature death when more is done to curb domescome to more than $4 billion annually-$5.8 billion tic violence. when lost productivity is factored in. It’s a problem that occurs in all types of families and relationships regardless of race, sex, religion or economic status. It’s damaging whether it is emotional or physical and has devastating health effects. Drugs, alcohol, money or stressful situations often complicate the issue. The advent of social media has allowed domestic violence to take on new forms, and with the benefit of these new technologies comes the risk of digital abuse, which can include unwanted, repeated calls or text messages, breaking into e-mail or social networking accounts, and being pressured to send private or embarrassing pictures or videos. Domestic violence is not just a problem for adults. A survey by the Alabama Coalition Against Domestic Violence found that 40 percent of teenage girls were either victims or knew someone their age who had been abused. According to the National Resource Center on Domestic Violence, 22 percent of women and 7 percent of men have experienced physical domestic violence at some point in their lives. • Domestic violence causes an estimated 2 million injuries to women, 580,000 to men and 1,500 deaths annually. • According to the Centers for Disease Control, the
• Annual health care costs for women who were abused years ago are 19 percent higher than for other women, even after the abuse has ended. It is important to know that something can be done to help prevent this tragedy if everyone takes domestic violence seriously. Anyone subjected to it should realize that he or she is not alone. There is support in the community. Take action to keep yourself and your children safe. Find someone to help you with your feelings. Don’t be afraid to take legal action if necessary. Call a friend. Call the police. You can also reach out to a number of organizations: Where To Get Help • National Domestic Violence Hotline; (800) 799-SAFE or (800) 799-7233; www.ndvh.org • Family Violence Prevention Fund: www.endabuse.org • National Women’s Health Information Center: www.4woman. gov/ violence/types/dating.cfm • National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline: www.loveisrespect.org • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: www.choose respect. org • Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN): (800) 656-HOPE or (800) 6564673; www.rainn.org.
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BeSafe Child Magazine
Longview Area Spring 2010
Child Care Assistance for Students, the Employed and the Unemployed Available NOW!!!!! Yes, that is right! There is childcare assistance available for an individual or families who are: • Working • Have recently lost their job due to a lay-off • Are attending School • Or your employer has reduced your hours Individuals interested: • Must be working or have a combination of school and employment that equals 25 hours per week. OR • Enrolled in college for a minimum of 9 semester hours or attending vocational training for 25 hours per week. OR • Actively looking for employment 25 hours per week if unemployed. Individuals: • Must pay a parent share of the cost based on the family gross monthly income. • Must meet other program criteria • May be placed on a waiting list • Must meet income guidelines. CCS Income Guidelines
Family Size 2 3 4 5 6 7
Gross Monthly Income (Up To) $3,004 $3,710 $4,417 $5,124 $5,830 $5,963
Counties served: Anderson, Camp, Cherokee, Gregg, Harrison, Henderson, Marion, Panola, Rains, Rusk, Smith, Upshur, Van Zandt, and Wood. For more information please call Child Care Services at 800.676.8283. The CCS program is an equal opportunity program. Auxiliary aids and services are available, upon request, to those with disabilities. TDD #711
Longview Area Spring 2010
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ARE YOU TIRED OF PAYING DAYCARE EXPENSES?
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FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL CHILD CARE SERVICES AT 1-800-6768283 OR 903-526-1105 The CCS program is an equal Childcare assistance is available in the opportunity program. following counties: Anderson, Camp, Cherokee, Auxiliary aids and services are Gregg, Harrison, Henderson, Marion, Panola, Rains, Rusk, Smith, Upshur, Van Zandt, Wood.
available, upon request , to those with disabilities. TDD #711
Obesity: A Growing Problem
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Source: Janette Maldonado-Johnson
very year about 300,000 deaths are reported due to Obesity. About 15% of teens are obese. What are the main causes of obesity? Unhealthy eating habits and not enough physical activity. What is Obesity? Simply too much body fat. Obesity affects your health. It can increase your risk for: • Heart Disease • High Blood Pressure • Stroke • Type 2 Diabetes • Certain types of cancer Benefits of a Healthy Weight: • Feel Better • Feel More Attractive • Have More Energy • Be Healthier
or a computer screen promotes consumption and lessens awareness of feeling full. • Encourage physical activity, such as bike riding, playing ball, and jumping rope. • Limit time spent on watching TV, using the computer, and playing video games. • Plan active family outings, such as visiting the zoo, going swimming, or playing in the park. • Assign active chores to your children. • Set the example in healthful eating and exercise.
How can you reach a Healthy Weight? For more information look online: www.presi• Focus on healthy eating and getting more exerdentschallenge.org or www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/ cise. dnpa/obesity . • Balanced meals containing grains, fruits, vegetables, lean meats, beans, and dairy. Percentage of Children & Adolescents • Look at the label (nutrition facts) Who Were Overweight in 1963-2002 • DON’T Supersize it! • Set goals that are: specific and reachable. According to the National Institutes of Health and the Mayo Clinic Parents Can: • Buy and serve more fruits and vegetables than convenience foods. • Limit soft drinks, sweetened beverages, and high-fat sugary snack foods. Offer water or lowfat milk and healthful snacks. • Use cooking methods that are lower in fat, such as baking, broiling, and steaming, instead of frying. • Serve smaller portions. • Avoid using food as a reward or as a bribe. Graphic provided by Centers For Disease Control • Do not allow children to skip breakfast. Skipping it may lead to overeating later. • Sit at the table to eat. Eating in front of a TV Longview Area Spring 2010
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Head Lice Facts
Source: Lufkin ISD School Health Advisory Council
n this article are some facts about head lice and what you I• Itching can do if your child and you get them. is the first sign of heal lice, unless your child has a
very light case. Check your child’s head and scalp all over especially behind the ears and near the neckline and the back of the neck when scratching begins. • Look for lice and their eggs or “nits.” You may see the nits before you find a louse because each louse can lay up to 150 at a time. • You may first find lice or nits on the hair at the “nape” of the neck (back of the head where the hair stops and the neck begins) and behind the ears. But, they can live anywhere; so, look all over the scalp. • If you know of another child with head lice, be alert that your child may contract lice too. Children get lice from other children. There is no incubation period. When live lice move from one child to another; they are “home” and can begin laying eggs immediately. • Children get head lice almost as much as the common cold. Millions get them at least one time, once a year. • They can not hop, jump or fly but can crawl from child to child anytime children are close together, during play or sports or even nap time. • Sharing combs, brushes, hair fasteners, hats, caps, coats, neck scarves and even head phones spread them, too. Sharing a locker or cubbyhole with a lice-infested child is a common way to spread lice. Lice can attach to your child while sitting on carper or furniture. Lice can even attach to stuffed toys. • Children get lice more than teens or adults. Any child can get head lice! It doesn’t matter where they live or go to school; how much money their parents have or, if boy or girl, black, white or brown. • A child isn’t sick or unclean if they have head lice. Taking baths won’t kill lice or keep children from getting head lice. And, if a child has head lice, it certainly doesn’t mean they have bad parents. Dealing with lice is difficult, sometimes embarrassing and can be overwhelming to anyone caring for children. You can take care of your child’s head lice problem at home without a visit to the doctor or clinic. Treatment should be with shampoo or cream rinse approved by the FDA that can be purchased without a prescription at the drug store, grocery store or other places that carry drug store products.
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BeSafe Child Magazine
Longview Area Spring 2010
VACCINES: What Every Parent Should Know threat. In addition, the United States has seen and vaccines are hot topics in the media recently and parents may have ques- increased cases of measles and whooping cough. Itionsmmunizations Outbreaks in unvaccinated communities show about ingredients, timing and more. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) believes that all children should be vaccinated in a timely manner. Here are five reasons why vaccines are an important part of your child’s health care: 1. Vaccines prevent deadly childhood disease. Polio, whooping cough, meningitis-these diseases once claimed the lives of thousands of children in the U.S. Thanks to the development of vaccines, death rates from these illnesses have dropped dramatically. But in order to keep these rates low, children need to be vaccinated. 2. Vaccines are safe. Vaccines are tested in thousands of people before they are added to the childhood immunization schedule and are continuously monitored for any safety risks. Valid scientific studies have shown no link between thimerosal and autism. This mercury-based preservative was once used in several vaccines (and is still used in some flu vaccine). However, since thimerosal was removed from childhood vaccines in 2001, autism rates have actually increased, supplying further evidence that thimerosal does not cause autism. 3. Deadly diseases are still a threat to children. Deaths due to Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) in Minnesota and Pennsylvania remind us that vaccine-preventable diseases are still a
that these diseases are still out there and thrive when children aren’t fully immunized. 4. Multiple vaccines do not overwhelm a child’s immune system. Antigens are the substances that create immunity to disease. Improved vaccine development has led to a decrease in the number of antigens in each vaccine. So while there may be more vaccines given than a decade ago, the number of antigens that a child’s system must respond to is less than what a single vaccine contained 50 years ago. 5. Staying on schedule is important. Infants are susceptible to infectious diseases. While these diseases could make an older child very sick, they could be deadly for infants. The recommended immunization schedule is designed to work best with a child’s immune system-at certain ages and at specific times. If a vaccine requires a second or third dose, they need to be given within a certain time frame or the vaccine will not fully protect your child. Keeping your infant safe and healthy is an important part of caring for your baby. By giving your child needed vaccinations on a timely basis, you can help your baby get a head start on a healthy future. For more information visit the AAP Web site, www.aap.org
www.walmart.com Caring About Our Children’s Health
2440 Gilmer Rd., Longview, Tx. 903-297-1121 Longview Area Spring 2010
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ATTENTION PARENTS • ATTENTION KIDS This could be the most important page in BE SAFE for you & your young child. Make sure your child knows how to use the phone in an emergency.
MEDICAL 9-1-1
POLICE 9-1-1
I only call in a real emergency. To get help, I push: First the 9 Button Then the 1 Button Then the 1 Again
FIRE 9-1-1
I know what to say in an emergency!
First, I say who I am: “Hello, my name is ______________ Next, I tell them where I am: “I am at ________________ Then, I tell them what the emergency is. I stay calm but speak loud and clear. I will be told what to do.
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Longview Area Spring 2010
Can you tell which can of energy drink has alcohol in it? The beer industry is hoping that you can’t. If you guessed Sparks, Max, Four Loko, & Joose, you guessed right. But how are parents to be able to tell the difference when they are marketed to look just like a typical energy drink?
Alcohol & Energy Drinks: Bigger Than Ever
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n the past few years, there has been a lot of publicity and raised awareness of alcoholic energy drinks. Popular brands like Sparks, Rock Star and Tilt faced scrutiny for mixing extreme amounts of caffeine with alcohol, a dangerous combination for anyone. Their tasty flavors, misleading marketing, and inexpensive prices make them a perfect product for an underage audience. James Mosher, JD, of Pacific Institute for research and Evaluation said “Alcohol producers are taking advantage of the popularity of nonalcoholic energy drinks to sell their products to youth.” Parents, law enforcement officials, politicians and retailers were educated about these new products and learned to look more closely at what kids were drinking.
Source: The Coalition of Angelina County
Unfortunately a parent’s job is never simple. New products are on the shelves with new logos and harder to read packaging splashed with bright colors. Four Loko, one of the latest in the line of alcoholic energy drinks, has a bright camouflage can and comes in flavors like watermelon, fruit punch, blue raspberry and lemonade. It is also larger than previous alcoholic energy drinks, coming in a 23.5 ounce can with 12% alcohol content as compared to the 16 ounce cans with 6-7% alcohol content. Other brands like Max and Jungle Joose have also adopted these larger quantity cans with higher alcohol content. So what does this mean for those who drink them? Well, in one drink they can ingest roughly 12 cokes and 4 beers! Deceptively advertised
as energy cocktails, they offer to give drinkers the energy to “go all night” without stating the possible consequences such as alcohol poisoning. Parents, always be aware of what your kids are drinking. Don’t be afraid to look more closely at each product, often times the words “alcoholic beverage” are discreet and easy to miss. Be on the lookout for nutrition labels – alcoholic drinks will NOT have one. Be aware of the health risks involved. Mixing stimulants and alcohol can result in being “wide awake drunk” – a feeling of alertness while intoxicated. This can lead people to engage in risky behavior because they are unaware of their intoxication level.
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Allowances In Today’s Economy
or many families these are financially troubling times. There may be a cut back in income, loss of job, or even a foreclosure on the home. The situation should be carefully explained to your children, assuring them that they will be taken care of and will be safe. They may not get all they want, but that you will do all you can to provide their immediate needs and to improve the family’s income. If you are able to provide an allowance in today’s economy it is an opportune time to teach them to be responsible and spend their money wisely. Teaching children the value of a dollar is not made easier when they have an exact allowance and know what it is to cover. Teaching children the value of our work ethic is a challenge, when they are allowed to earn extra money by doing extra chores it becomes easier. The key is the “extra” bit. Children, as they get older, should be given certain chores around the house. Cleaning their room, picking up toys, taking out trash are chores that should not be rewarded with dollars. Teaching children the value in saving a portion of their allowance or earned chore income, on the other hand, may not be easy. It is not easy for most parents, so how could it be easy to teach it? When there is something the child wants and it could be acquired by the child saving within a few weeks becomes an op-
Kick Back. Enjoy.
portunity to teach this lesson. Teaching values about material things in our commercial Western world is another challenge. Actually teaching savings can help take the emphasis off the everyday instant gratification that our children can be imbedded with. If the child really wants a bike and you have decided that he must earn it, teach passing up the impulse purchases at the store by reminding him of the bike. Ask the student of yours what does he really want, the cheap toy now or saving for the purchase of the bike. If he chooses the instant gratification, remind him of that decision when he is short on cash to make the bike purchase. By not assisting him with the bike purchase and having to wait until the money is saved, he learns a lesson of what is important; the cheap toy now or a worthwhile bike later. Good Luck! This is not an easy task for the parent or the child. We love our children and want them to be happy now. Teaching these principals, however, will give them a stronger financial basis for a secure future.
Dial 2-1-1 for Information & Referral Your link to health and community services. ■ Fast, Free, & Confidential ■ 24-hours/day, 7-days/week ■ All Languages ■ Dial 2-1-1 or 903-534-9977 Hablamos Español
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Longview Area Spring 2010
www.unitedwaytyler.org
Living With Asthma
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or the nearly one out of 10 children affected by asthma in the U.S., school means exposure to triggers that may aggravate asthma symptoms. Asthma is one of the most common causes of school absenteeism due to illness and accounts for almost 13 million missed school days each year among children ages 5 to 17. Fortunately, there are ways parents can help manage their child’s asthma with the start of a new school year. Understanding Asthma Asthma symptoms, which include coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath, can occur at any time, so it is important for parents to work closely with their child’s doctor to identify asthma triggers that can exacerbate a child’s asthma during school. For example, classrooms may contain indoor allergens such as chalk dust, mold and dust mites, and recess time can result in breathing difficulties from exposure to outdoor allergens and changes in the weather.3 Upon identifying asthma triggers, parents should talk with their child’s doctor about appropriate ways to manage their condition. “When my daughter Danielle heads back to school, she often experiences difficulty breathing in the classroom and on the playground,” said Julie Driggers of Omaha, Neb. “While a quickrelief inhaler helps bring her some relief during an asthma attack, I make it a point to set up an appointment with Danielle’s doctor before school starts to review her asthma treatment plan and discuss any changes or new options.” In addition to a quick-relief inhaler, which treats wheezing and shortness of breath at the first sign of symptoms, children may require use of a longterm maintenance medication to help prevent or reduce the airway inflammation that can lead to asthma symptoms. Tips For Managing Asthma Parents should consider additional ways to help manage their child’s asthma in the school setting, such as:
• Work with your child’s doctor to develop an asthma action plan that outlines the child’s asthma history and includes information about current medications. • Provide school staff with the asthma action plan and emergency contact information. • Talk to your child about what triggers asthma symptoms and make sure your child knows where his/her rescue inhaler for the treatment of sudden asthma symptoms is at all times. • Learn the asthma policies and asthma emergency procedures in place at your child’s school. • Find out how often and when a school nurse is on-site. For more information, visit www.AsthmaSchoolTips.com.
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LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU
4108 W. Loop 281 Longview * (903) 236-7730 3123 S. Eastman Road Longview * (903) 757-4927 105 N. Spur 63 Longview * (903) 753-7231 3308 N. 4th Street Longview * (903) 663-2267 2401 Gilmer Road Longview * (903) 759-8858 2010 Victory Drive Marshall * (903) 938-2064 2406 E. End Blvd. S. Marshall * (903) 935-6161 103 E. Hwy 80 White Oak * (903) 291-1995
SERVING HOT, FRESH, MADE-TO-ORDER BURGERS 24 HOURS A DAY EVERYDAY. BREAKFAST SERVED FROM 11:00 PM TO 11:00 AM
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Longview Area Spring 2010
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Explaining Stranger Danger
Source: National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.
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hild advocates point to incidents where lost children hid from rescuers because they were “strangers” or willingly walked away with someone who didn’t fit their idea of a “stranger.” When asked, children will often describe a “stranger” as someone who is ugly or mean. They don’t think nice-looking or friendly people are “strangers.” If someone talks to a child or is around a child more than once, that person loses his or her “stranger” status. The child then thinks he or she “knows” the person. Practice “what if” scenarios with your children. Reinforce these skills during a trip to the mall or park. Reassure your children that you are there for them, and remind them that there are other people who can help. If your children are lost, they may be surrounded by many “strangers” who can help
them if they ask. We need to give children safety nets of people they can go to if they need help. That includes uniformed law-enforcement or security officers, a salesperson with a name tag, an information booth clerk at a mall, or a mother with children. If children are lost outside, they should never wander away from where they first became lost. If that place becomes too dangerous because of severe weather or another threatening situation, children should go to the nearest safe spot and wait. They should make noise by yelling, blowing a whistle, or otherwise attracting attention. This will help bring someone to their rescue. Teach your children well by what you mean by “Stranger Danger.”
Protecting Children From Online Predators
ore than 25 million children go online regularly. become more Internet savvy, and that will keep kids M Unfortunately, some child predators are taking safer,” says Ernie Allen, president of the National advantage of this fact by approaching children online Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC). with the intent to meet them for a sexual encounter offline. According to the Department of Justice, 1 in 5 children is sexually solicited over the Internet. That’s why parents should get involved in their children’s activities on the Internet and always know with whom they are chatting online. Online lingo, such as “ILU” (I Love You), “CYO” (See You Online), and “a/s/l” (Age/Sex/Location) are commonly used by Internet-savvy kids. Yet a national study found that less than five percent of parents are familiar with the shorthand used by children online. Unfortunately, many online predators know and use the lingo to become friendly with kids. “Shorthand like ‘POS’ for ‘parent over shoulder’ and ‘WTGP’ for ‘want to go private’ will stop being a mystery to parents as they 16
BeSafe Child Magazine
NCMEC recently partnered with the Ad Council to sponsor a national multi-media campaign to help parents learn ways to minimize their children’s risks of being victimized. It offers these tips: Take steps to educate yourselves about the Internet. Place the family computer in a common area, not a child’s bedroom. Teach kids that people online are not always who they say they are. Talk with children about not giving out personal information over the Internet. “The Web is an incredible resource for kids, but we need to equip our children to deal with the reality of today’s online world by educating them in how to spot troublesome behavior and make smart decisions,” says Allen. To learn about kids’ chat shorthand and to get tips on how to talk to your children about online threats, visit www.cybertipline.com or call 1-800-THE-LOST.
Longview Area Spring 2010
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Protecting Children From Poisoning
ost people regard their homes as safe places. However, most accidents involving children, especially accidental poisoning, occur in the child’s home. Children like to imitate their parents. Babies who watch their parents take medications may want to do it too. A few precautions can prevent a fatal accident. *Always close bottles after taking medications. *Use child resistant bottles and packaging. Remember, they are child resistant, not childproof. *Keep medications in the original containers, preventing confusion. *Keep all medications out of the reach and sight of children. *Follow directions carefully to avoid accidental overdoses. *Baby vitamins look and taste like candy. If the vitamin has an iron supplement, as few as five can be deadly to your child. Remember: *When buying art supplies for children, be sure they are safe for children. *Never use cups, soft drinks bottles or milk cartons to store leftover
paint, paint thinner or cleaning products. *Keep mouthwashes, aftershave lotions and perfumes out of children’s reach. Children are very sensitive to the toxic effects of the alcohol contained in these products. *Check your garage, utility room, kitchen and bathroom for toxic items. Antifreeze, windshield washing fluids, gasoline and cleaning compounds are deadly when taken internally. *Know if your plants are poisonous and keep them out of reach of children. If you suspect poisoning: Remain calm. *Call your local poison control center at 1-800-POISON-1 or your doctor. Keep these numbers near your telephone. *For household products, follow the first-aid instructions on the label and then call the poison control center or doctor*Be prepared to give the child’s age, height, weight any existing health problems and what your child ate or drank.
www.lacks.com 3110 H.G. Mosley Pkwy. Longview, TX 75601 Tel: 903-758-8536 Fax: 903-758-0852 Longview Area Spring 2010
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Kids And Canines
dog’s wagging tail and soft, fluffy ears can be as irresistible as the forbidden cookie jar to a child. But while the family pet is tolerant and patient with your child, other dogs may not be. The American Kennel Club advises parents to teach their young children how to treat all animals with care and consideration, and how to steer clear of potentially dangerous situations. What Kids Need To Know: Always ask a dog’s owner if you may pet the dog. Some dogs shouldn’t be touched. Approach a dog from the front or side-not from behind. Hold your hands low and speak softly. Do not surprise a dog, force him into a corner, wave your hands or scream at him. Dogs may get defensive at the food dish. Don’t interfere when a dog is eating and never put your hands between a dog’s mouth and his bowl. Some dogs are very protective of their balls or chew toys. Never take a bone or toy from a dog’s mouth unless he’s trained to drop it or give it to you. Avoid teasing, rough wrestling, or tug-of-war games. Dogs may get too enthusiastic and forget you are not a dog. Fetch, frisbee and agility are better outlets for your dog’s energy. Respect a dog’s space. Dogs naturally defend their territories. Do not stick your hand inside a strange dog’s crate or car window. Never try to break up a dogfight. Trying to separate fighting dogs may make them more excited, and they might turn on you or accidentally bite you. Call an adult for help. Observe canine body language. Beware of a dog that is barking, growling or showing his teeth. Stay away if his ears are back or his hair is standing up on his back. Say “NO” firmly and slowly walk away with your arms by your side. Do not scream, stare into his eyes or run away. Visit www.akc.org for more information. 18
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Guide to Licensed Child Care Centers
This Directory was produced by the Better Business Bureau Foundation as a public service to assist parents in their search for a licensed child care facility. The Better Business Bureau does not endorse or recommend any product, service or company; therefore, parents should not consider this Directory a recommendation of any child care center. Any portion of the listing is subject to change at any time. The Better Business Bureau suggests you visit and tour the facility before making a decision. Check the current status of the facility’s license with the Department of Protective & Regulatory Services at 533-4173. This license should be posted in a conspicuous place and reflect the correct address of the facility. The Monitoring Plan set by the Department of Protective & Regulatory Services is a good guideline when looking into a facility. It is indicative if the facility’s compliance with state guidelines. Ask to see their latest compliance report. It is a good idea to find out which items, if any, your facility was not in compliance with when corrections were made by the facility. Remember, this information can also change at any time. Make sure to check their current monitoring plan with Protective Services. Here are some things to look for when choosing a child care service: • Is the facility clean? Are the children clean? • Is there a safe place to play both indoors and outdoors? • Does caregiver share your views on discipline and religion? • Can they provide special care such as diet and medication? • Is this facility open to you and welcome to visits anytime? If you have questions or would like a brochure from the Better Business Bureau on choosing child care, please call us at (903) 581-5704 or toll free 1-800-443-0131.
Indicates Accredited BBB Member
Name, Address (Listed by Zip Code)
Phone
Capacity
Hours & Days Open
Zip Code 75601
Drop Ins
After School Care
Ages Accepted
Alpine Christian Academy 610 E. Loop 281, Longview, 75601
758-0161
170
Mon.-Fri. 8:30-2:30
No
No
18 mos. - 2nd Grade
Applewood Academy & Day Care 1512 Judson Rd., Longview, 75601
753-3737
137
Mon.-Fri. 7:00-6:00
No
Yes
6 wks. - 10 years
Asbury House Child Enrichment 320 S. Center, Longview, 75601
758-7062
34
Mon.- Fri. 6:00-6:00
No
No
Preschool, Qualified
See Saw Children’s Place Bramlette 111 Tupelo, Longview, 75601
758-2060
55
Mon.-Fri. 6:30-6:15
No
Yes
Pre-K -School
Kandyland Kampus Day Care 115 Tupelo, Longview, 75601
758-8247
85
Mon.-Fri. 6:30-6:00
No
Yes
18 mos. - 12 years
Oakland Heights Child Dev. Center 1600 Judson Rd., Longview, 75601
753-1592
131
Mon.-Fri. 7:00-6:00
No
No
6 mos. - 5 years
Oakland Heights Baptist Church 1607 Judson Rd., Longview, 75601
753-9578
100
Mon.-Fri. 7:30-6:00
Yes
Yes
K - 5th Grade
The Prep School 720 N. Sixth St., Longview, 75601
758-0320
162
Mon.-Fri. 9:00-2:30
No
No
6 mos. - K
Preschool Learning Academy 314 E. Cotton St., Longview, 75601
753-6186
51
Mon.-Fri. 6:00-6:00
No
Yes
18 mos. - 13 years
Treazure Chest Daycare Learning Ctr. 1809 Alpine, Longview, 75601
758-4868
102
Mon.-Fri. 6;30-6:00
No
Yes
6 wks. - 10 years
School for Little Children 400 N. Freedonia, Longview, 75601
753-3121
250
Mon.-Fri. 7:15-6:00
No
No
6 wks. - K
Sharon’s Kids Korner 503 E. Methvin, Longview, 75601
758-6876
129
Mon.-Fri. 6:00-6:00
Yes
Yes
Birth - 13 years
Trinity Extended Day 215 Teague St., Longview 75601
753-0612
149
Mon. -Fri. 7:30-6:00
No
Yes
2 years - Grade 6th
Try our full service drive thru 3612 McCann Longview, TX 75605 www.acsjakesfeed.com
Fax: 903-663-4018
Phone: 903-663-3139
678 N. Main Gladewater, TX 75647-0027 903/845-5566 (Fax) 903/845-1716 www.gladewaternationa.com
Longview Area Spring 2010
BeSafe Child Magazine
19
Name, Address (Listed by Zip Code)
Phone
Capacity
Hours & Days Open
Drop Ins
Mon.-Fri. 6:00-6:00
No
Zip Code 75601 Wee Learn Center 209 E. South, Longview, 75601
758-0153
150
Ages Accepted
After School Care No
6 wks. - Grade K
Zip Code 75602, 75603, 75604 Almost Angels Day Care Center 1809 S. Mobberly, Longview, 75602
236-7134
97
Mon.-Fri. 5:30-7:00
Yes
Yes
3 wks. - 13 years
Garret Tender Loving Care 1600 S. Mobberly, Longview, 75602
757-6080
121
Mon.-Fri./ Sat. 6:30-mid./7:30-mid
Yes
Yes
18 mos. - 12 years
House of Tots Creative Schools 434 S. Center, Longview, 75602
757-5753
50
Mon.-Fri. 6:00-6:00
No
Yes
Birth - 13 years
Longview Agape Learning Academy 2717 S. MLK Blvd., Longview, 75602
753-7390
166
Mon.-Fri. 6:30-6:00
No
Yes
18 mos. - 13 years
Longview Child Development Center 1230 S. High, Longview, 75602
758-3861
238
Mon.-Fri. 7:30-5:30
No
No
6 wks. - 5 years
Playing For Keeps, LISD, Child Care Ctr. 401 Fifth St., Longview 75602
381-2200
56
Mon.-Fri 7:00-5:30
No
No
Infant-School Age
3-D Children’s Center 6539 FM 2011, Longview, 75603
643-9566
98
Mon.-Fri. 6:00-6:00
No
Yes
6 wks. - 13 years
ABC Son Shine School 202 W. Niblick, Longview, 75604
759-6365
43
Mon.-Fri. 6:30-6:00
Yes
Yes
Toddler - School Age
See saw Children’s Place Pine Tree Middle 1707 Pine Tree Rd., Longview 75604
759-1015
126
Mon.-Fri. 6:30-6:00
No
Yes
Pre-K - 7th Grade
Fairmont Children’s School 1450 W. Fairmont, Longview, 75604
297-3393
85
Mon.-Fri. 6;00-6:00
No
Yes
18 mos. - 10 years
First Step 2307 Kingston, Longview, 75604
295-9999
96
Mon.-Fri. 6:00-6:00
No
Yes
Birth - 13 years
Jordan Country Day School 1208 Pine Tree Rd., Longview, 75604
759-3085
120
Mon.-Fri. 6:00-6:00
No
Yes
6 wks. - 10 years
Kid Connection 200 Pine Tree Rd., Longview, 75604
759-4630
47
Mon.-Fri. 6:30-6:00
Yes
Yes
Birth - 12 years
Kiddie Kampus Learning Academy, Inc. 3902 Gilmer Rd., Longview 75604
212-5552
132
Mon.-Fri. 6:00-6:00
Yes
Yes
Infant - School Age
Primary Colors Preschool #1 3605 Gilmer Rd., Longview, 75604
297-9494
109
Mon.-Fri. 6:00-6:00
No
Yes
12 mos. - 11 years
Kids Eat Free 5 to 9 on Tuesdays
Buy A Combo Meal Get A 4 pc. Kids Meal Free Loop 281 & Gilmer Rd.
903-295-6633
Loop 281 & 4th St.
903-663-6631
Community Coordinator For BeSafe Publications Needed
Reach out to the community with our child safety & health magazine, and earn income too. Call Royce Ewing at 903-586-3767 or email resume to rle@besafechild.com 20
BeSafe Child Magazine
Longview Area Spring 2010
Name, Address (Listed by Zip Code)
Phone
Primary Colors Preschool #2 1901 Toler Rd., Longview, 75604
297-9595
Pure Hart Child Care Center 471 Jamerison Rd., Longview, 75604
297-6208
See Saw Children’s Place Pine Tree Primary 501 Pine Tree, Longview 75604
759-1015
Noah’s Ark Learning Center 706 Cotton Str. West, Longview 75604
234-8630
Hours & Capacity Days Open Mon.-Fri. 128 6:00-6:00
Drop Ins
After School Care
Ages Accepted
Yes
Yes
6 wks. - 12 years
34
Mon.-Sun. 6:30-6:30
Yes
Yes
Birth - School Age
85
Mon.-Fri. 6:30-6:15
No
Yes
Pre-K-School Age
102
Mon. -Fri. 7:00-6:00
Yes
Yes
Toddler - School Age
Zip Code 75605, 75606
Building Block Learning Center 215 N. Page rd., Longview, 75605
236-3880
161
Mon.-Fri. 5:30-6:00
No
Yes
Infant - School Age
Kid Kountry 476 Henderson Ln., Longview, 75605
663-6565
242
Mon.-Fri. 6:30-6:00
No
Yes
Birth - 12 years
Mobberly Child Development Center 625 E. Loop 281, Longview, 75605
663-3000
200
Mon.-Fri. 7:00-6:00
No
Yes
6 wks. - 10 years
Oak Forest Montessori School 2000 Greenleaf, Longview, 75605
297-0634
175
Mon.-Fri. 6:00-6:00
No
Yes
18 mos. - 11 years
See Saw Children’s Place 401 N. 5th St., Longview, 75606
759-1015
85
Mon.-Fri. 6:30-6:15
No
Yes
Pre-K - School Age
Presbyterian Children’s Center 301 N. Center, Longview, 75606
757-8672
110
Mon.-Fri. 7:30-5:30
No
No
8 wks. - Grade K
Blocks In Your Socks Child Care Center 318 W. Quitman, Gladewater, 75647
845-4709
81
Mon.-Fri. 5:30-6:00
No
Yes
Infant - School Age
Center Street Day Care 405 S. Center St., Gladewater, 75647
844-8899
37
Mon.-Fri. 7:00-6:00
Yes
Yes
6 wks. - 13 years
Kids World 189 Meadow Dr., Gladewater, 75647
734-5177
19
Mon.-Fri. 6:30-6:00
No
Yes
Infant - School Age
The Learning Academy 1600 W. Upshur, Gladewater, 75647
845-1543
85
Mon.-Fri. 6:30-6:00
No
Yes
6 wks. - 12 years
Calvary Way Day Care Center 106 Woodlawn, Kilgore, 75662
981-9011
62
Mon.-Fri. 6:00-6:00
No
Yes
Birth - 13 years
First Baptist Church 501 E. North, Kilgore, 75662
986-9064
180
Mon.-Fri. 7:00-6:00
No
Yes
6 wks. - 12 years
Grace Day Care 119 Peavine Rd., Kilgore, 75662
984-0626
132
Mon.-Fri. 6:00-6:00
No
Yes
6 wks. - 12 years
Kids World Learning Center 405 Kay St., Kilgore, 75662
984-1400
94
Mon.-Fri. 6:00-6:00
No
Yes
Infant - School Age
Tates Cuddly Bear Daycare, Inc. 303 Powderhorn Rd., Kilgore, 75662
984-1116
69
Mon.-Fri. 6:00-6:00
No
Yes
6 wks. - 12 years
Kilgore College Child Development Center 1009 Brook., Kilgore, 75662
983-8293
36
Mon.-Fri. 7:30-5:30
No
No
18 mos. - 5 years
Meadowbrook Preschool II Baby University 610 Lantrip St., Kilgore, 75662
984-0238
47
Mon.-Fri. 7:00-6:00
No
Yes
Infant - Pre-K
Stepping Stone 2920 Green Hills Dr., Kilgore, 75662
983-3126
100
Mon.-Fri. 7:00-5:30
No
Yes
18 mos. - Pre-K
Zip Code 75647
Zip Code 75662, 75693
Dial 2-1-1 for Information & Referral Your link to health and community services.
www.unitedwaytyler.org Longview Area Spring 2010
BeSafe Child Magazine
21
22
BeSafe Child Magazine
Longview Area Spring 2010
We have a Free $25 Gift Certificates from a Popular Restaurant for you!
See the material here in this publication or it can be from any of the past editions we have on-line. Go to www.besafechild.com & click on Past Editions. Find an article that applies to your child or family and give us your feedback. Or it could be a suggestion you may have. In return you’ve earned a $25 Gift Certificate from a participating restaurant. It is just that simple: See - Apply - Feedback - Earned Simply S.A.F.E. Respond to this promotion by going to our website www.besafechild.com and click on “Contests and Events” in the Yellow Bar. Or you can mail it to us at Be Safe Publications, 566 CR 4103, Jacksonville, Texas 75766 – Be sure to give us your name & mailing address so we can send your gift certificate. Limited Offer----Respond now to be assured of a gift certificate.
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Participating restaurant: OUTBACK Steak House
Longview Area Spring 2010
Sim S.A ply .F.E . BeSafe Child Magazine
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